The Overlords Blog Tour: Seven Blogs in Seven Days

Hello, Overlords fans!  Starting Friday, November 1st I will be embarking on my first ever blog tour.  I'm hoping to spread the word about The Overlords and Self Publishing Insight to my blog hosts' social network, hopefully reaching thousands of new fans.  I'll be discussing some very interesting topics that will reach all walks of life, especially in literary circles.  Listed below are the host blogger, the topic for the day, and the associated link.  The links will go live on the day of the blog stop, so check back here to review previous blogs if you missed them. Please forward this link to anyone you feel would benefit from the day's content.  Thanks!

November 1:  Shelf Pleasure -- "Science Fiction vs. Fantasy: Are They Really the Same?"

November 2:  Draegon Grey -- Author and Character Interviews with an exciting Overlords trailer.

November 3:  Shirley Slaughter -- "Teach What You Know"

November 4:  Gary Frank -- "Horror and The Overlords Connection"

November 5:  Taylor Fulks -- "Are You Talking to Me? Figuring Out the Point of View"

November 6:  Mike Malone -- Two Guys Talking Baseball

November 7:  Nonnie Jules -- Overlords and Self Publishing Insight Interview

Thanks to all my wonderful hosts for supporting me on my blog tour.  I hope everyone learns a little something that helps them get one step closer to completing their project.

Offerings from SelfPublishingInsight.com

Attention writers, teachers, librarians, and anyone else that's interested in moving their writing career along!  Mike and Jon at Self Publishing Insight have been busy streamlining a catalog of offerings to help get your next book into the public's awaiting hands.  As you know, Mike is very busy presenting "The Concepts of Writing and Publishing", mentoring high school students, and visiting libraries and schools, but he's always available to take on new challenges.

Take a look at our list of offerings:

The Concepts of Writing and Publishing

This workshop focuses on writing, in particular creating characters, settings, plot points, and the Four-Pass Editing Process, as well as self-marketing, self-promotion, social networking, eBooks, and much more. Question and answer time provided.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, anyone who wants to self-publish their works

Length: 2 hours
 

Social Networking, Self-Marketing, and Self-Promotion

This workshop is for authors looking to promote their work in the ever-growing field of social networking, self-marketing, and self-promotion. Cutting edge technology is focused on in this workshop, including utilizing the Internet to its fullest capability. Websites, social media sites, newsletters, email distribution, blogging, YouTube, and much more are discussed in this highly attended event. Question and answer time provided.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors, anyone interested in how to promote themselves online

Length: 2 hours
 

Writing for Beginners

This workshop is geared toward the new writer, as well as someone that might need a nudge in the right direction. Content of this workshop takes a closer look into creating characters, settings, plot points, and the Four-Pass Editing Process. When finished with this class, students will be able to apply what they have learned and get their book to the point of publication. Question and answer time provided.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, anyone who wants to understand writing/writers/their mindset better

Length: 2 hours
 

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Adventure Writers Workshop (Session Based)

This workshop is geared toward those writing Science Fiction and/or Fantasy novels. Beyond general writing techniques, this class digs deeper into world and universe creating, mythologies, character development, and genre specific items. Question and answer time provided. Specific discussion of each attendees work included.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors, advanced authors, those interested in examining this writing genre

Length: 4 – 5 evenings (over about a month), 2 hours per session
 

Intermediate Writers Workshop (Session Based)

This workshop is via a group setting in order to discuss different aspects of writing a novel at length. Participants are encouraged to bring up problems they are encountering and to work as a group to resolve issues with their projects. The workshop focuses on creating characters, settings, plot points, and the Four-Pass Editing Process, as well as self-marketing, self-promotion, social networking, eBooks, and much more. This seminar delves deeper into the topics at hand, allowing students to ask more detailed questions.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors, advanced authors, those interested in examining this writing genre

Length: 4 – 5 evenings (over about a month), 2 hours per session
 

Write & Dine (Session Based)

This workshop combines nightly writing topics and a culinary experience. This relaxed setting brings together writers and food aficionados alike! Plentiful hors d'oeuvres are coupled an intimate setting to discuss the subject of the night in detail. Individual and interactive group conversations are utilized to better grasp the topic at hand. Attendees must be over 21.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors, advanced authors, those interested in examining this writing genre

Length: 4 – 5 evenings (over about a month), 2 hours per session
 

Writers Retreat

This special retreat gives attendees a setting conducive to channeling a truly positive writing experience. This weekend-long excursion combines multiple writing topics in an introspective atmosphere. Attention will be given to each attendees specific writing, with feedback from the group. Individual break-out sessions with our expert(s) are provided for personal evolution. Attendees must be over 21. This is an overnight event, lodging and some meals included.

Good for: authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors, advanced authors

Length: One weekend (Saturday & Sunday), overnight, 10:00 – 4:00, plus a
fun happy hour and dinner on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday
 

One-on-one Writing Consulting

This intensive examination of your work begins with a free consultation phone meeting with our expert. Pinpoint feedback, instruction and customized tips work in conjunction to provide you with the tools and abilities to bring your writing dreams to reality. Discount on publishing, marketing and other related services included!

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors,
advanced authors, those interested in improving their writing

Length: To be decided (a minimum of 4 sessions over at least a month) 

Remember, you can always contact Mike or Jon for more information about pricing, presentations, and workshops. If you have an idea for a class or event, let us know and we'll see if we can fit it into a new SPI offering.

Nonnie Jules's Blog Tour Ends Here!

Overlords fans, you might have recalled that a few months ago fellow author, Nonnie Jules, guest blogged here.  Since then Nonnie has embarked on her highly successful "DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND" Blog Tour and I'm happy to say that she saved her best stop for last!  Here's the interview -- enjoy!

Mike:  Hi, Nonnie.  I’m very excited to have you visit my blog for the second time in a matter of months.  Last time you were here you gave my Overlords fans a little information about you and your latest book, The Good Mommies’ Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters.  This time, we’re going to do an old fashioned interview, OK?   With that said, here we go!

Mike:  Nonnie, please reacquaint yourself to my Overlords fans with a little information about you and where you are from.

Nonnie:  Hi, my name is Nonnie Jules.  I'm the mother of two beautiful daughters, wife of one very loving husband and grandma to many animals.  We live in Louisiana on a strip of land I like to refer to as "my farm".  We don't milk cows or feed chickens here, but if you go looking for horses and the like, you will find plenty of them.  I'm an avid reader and lover of books (the old fashioned kind, you know the ones you can actually hold in your hand and turn real pages) and I like to write from many different genres.

Mike:  How are sales with The Good Mommies’ Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters?

Nonnie:  Well Mike, of course, any new author who's name isn't J.K. Rowling would probably respond to this question in the same manner...sales could always be better!  BUT, I have to say this, my FIRST book "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." has now made it's way onto the shelves of a few Barnes & Noble Book Sellers and that's a big thing!  And I will have to admit, happily, that it's moving on its own merit.  All the stores have had to re-order multiple times because the book is running out the door.  One day soon, I'll come back and share a large number with your readers that will really blow their socks off, but it's doing OK, I must say.

Mike:  Let’s talk social networking, especially Twitter.  For those of you who don’t know, Nonnie has selflessly promoted me and many other authors.  Can you give us some insight in how you have managed to get such a grasp of Twitter?  And, how do you utilize Twitter best?

Nonnie:  It amazes me that people think I'm such a whiz when it comes to Twitter.  I am the most socially inept person in the social networking sphere, really I am.  Just as with Facebook, I don't know what I'm doing on Twitter.  I have just managed to teach myself just enough to get by. I may look like a PRO doing it, but believe me, I'm not (I just believe you should look good in everything you do..smile).  I know how to post on both forums and I know how to respond.  That's it, nothing fancy.  It blows me away when people come to me and ask "how do u promote all those people every day?  What kind of system are you using?"  System, you guys think I have a system?  Well, let me disappoint you all...there is no system.  I hand type, that's manually type each of those posts/plugs that you see every day!  Nothing is automated with me.  I just don't know how to even get into that fancy stuff.  As far as how I use Twitter best Mike, I'm actually going to blog about this next week...I like to maximize each tweet, even when I'm saying "hello" to someone, I ensure that it's not a wasted "hello".  You guys will have to drop by my blog next Tuesday to get the full gist of what Im saying here.  So bookmark my blog below!

Mike: You’re a big advocate for mentoring and paying it forward.  Can you describe what you would like to see from your fellow authors in this area?

Nonnie:  Mike, I'm so proud of you and the effort you expend to support and mentor our youth, let me say that first.  But yes, I am a very strong advocate for mentoring, paying it forward and my favorite...CANDLE LIGHTING.  "A Candle Loses Nothing By Lighting Another Candle." This is  truly how I live my life online and off.  If someone comes to you and asks for help, give it.  Willingly.  If there is any way that you can help further the career or goals of another, do it...willingly and without hesitation.  Remember, everything you do comes back to you, so let's make the boomerang return only positive favor in our direction.  I feel so passionate about this topic that I could go on and on and on about it, so I'm going to stop at this for now... always be willing to help another.

Mike:  Any upcoming projects we should now about?

Nonnie: My first novel, "DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND" was due to release at the end of August, but that didn't happen.  Actually, this is the tour I'm on now for DDNF.  We have a new release date of mid-September, so let's keep our fingers crossed and keep me off Twitter so that I can put the finishing touches on the book.  I personally think it's going to be a great read but I may be  a little biased on this topic, so we'll see.  I'm sure you guys will let me know.  Take a look at the trailer here youtu.be/qbUK3XQ5-dA.  You can also read an excerpt from the book here wp.me/P3sUCq-gj.

My children's book "KIRSTEN AND THE BIG BLUE TREE" was put on hold due to illustrator issues, but it looks as if I'm about to have those issues worked out and so it will definitely be out in time for the holiday gift-giving season.  Who doesn't love to give books for the holidays?  I sure do!

Mike:  Now for some fun stuff!  Ready?  OK!  What’s your favorite movie?

Nonnie:  My favorite movie is (anything with Julia Roberts) STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

Mike: Favorite food or dish to make?

Nonnie:  I'm a Louisiana gal so my favorite food to make and eat is seafood GUMBO.

Mike:  Favorite place you have ever visited?

Nonnie:  My most favorite place that I've ever visited would be California.  The people are comical there so I enjoyed it because I always enjoy a good laugh.

Mike:  Favorite music band?

Nonnie:  My favorite music band I would have to say is the Jonas Brothers.  I know it's a kiddie thing but you guys have to keep in mind that I'm a mom of a teenager and a few years ago I had to go to a Jonas Brothers concert and the little girls were into it so much that they made me get into it.  And being a busy mom, I don't know anything about anything except kid stuff, and Disney.  How sad am I?  LOL!

Mike:  Favorite book, and no it can’t be one of yours!

Nonnie:  Oh, but my favorite book is mine!  LOL!  That's no fair, telling me that I can't name my own book as my favorite.  But, seriously, I have always loved and always will love LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott.  That seriously is my most favorite book in all the land.

Mike:  Nonnie, thanks for being a good sport!  Is there anything you would like to leave my fans with?

Nonnie:  If you guys would like to keep up with me and what I'm doing, please FOLLOW my blog WATCH NONNIE WRITE! at nonniewrites.wordpress.com.  There is so much cool information there, that you don't want to miss out on any blog I have coming through.  You may also FOLLOW me on Twitter @nonniejules.

I am on a mission to save our children, one by one.  "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS," 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help but Love! is one of the most powerful mediums to getting that done.  If we all are teaching our children from the same model, the same blueprint, how can we go wrong?  WE CAN'T!  The legacy that I'd like to leave behind for my children, for all children is that of a better, safer more loving world.  But we can all be a part of making that happen.  Here's the trailer if you haven't seen it already: youtu.be/zg15rptFN2g.  So, if you haven't picked up a copy or gifted a copy of "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." yet, here are ways to do it:

If you like e-books you can get a copy here at amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56 for only $2.99.  You can't even get a burger for $2.99 and all it will do is make you fat.  At least when you spend $2.99 on this book, you're helping to save the world and our children.  On Amazon, you may also pick it up in paperback. Createspace.com/4355124 has paperback copies and if you'd like an autographed copy, go to www.nonniesbookstore.com.  This book makes a great baby shower and new mommy gift.  Get yours today!  Ditch the hamburger.

This is the final day of the "DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND" Blog Tour and I couldn't have wrapped it up in a better place so I saved my goodie for last.  Today and today only, I am giving away ONE very special autographed copy of "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." to a lucky reader of the Overlords.  Simply visit www.nonniesbookstore.com to register.  That's all you have to do and the winner will be selected on September 15!  The winner will be posted at NONNIE'S BOOK STORE and also I'm sure Mike will post it here (somewhere).  Good luck to you all!  

Thank you all for having me and Mike, it's always a pleasure.

Mike:  Nonnie, the pleasure was all mine.  And Overlords fans, let's support Nonnie on all her projects by purchasing a book, visiting her blog, and following her on Twitter.  I already am!

The Top Three Ways Kids Can Be Better Writers!

Hello Parents, as well as fellow Overlords fans!  Even if you're not an author, I think that you can benefit from these three little tips to get yourself or your child to write more.  Let's face it, writing is not hard and getting your kids to do it is easy, if you know how!  We have a ton of experience with this area via our years of school and library interactions and the tips below can help your child tremendously!  How can we get this done?  Read on!

Tip #1: READ!  One way I stir my creative imagination is not by writing all the time, but by reading.  Let's face it, sometimes we authors simply cannot write any more at a given time.  Many times I have saturated my brain with battle scenes, monsters, and witty dialogue but enough is enough.  When I feel like I can't write another sentence, I put away my work and pick up that book I've been waiting to read.  Reading immerses me in someone else's world, taking me to a place that I have not personally created.

Parents, when your kids tell you that they don't feel like writing take them to the nearest book store and have them buy their favorite book or the next story in the series that they're reading.  You'll be surprised at how this new story will spark their imagination and get them back to that computer and writing to their hearts' content in no time!  Believe me, if it works for me it will work for them!

Tip #2: Organize  I preach this single point over and over in my workshops and seminars.  The easiest way to combat writer's block and fatigue is to organize your thoughts into smaller more manageable chunks.  If you have many thoughts, try story boarding.  This is what directors do for movies and TV shows.  Simply take a sticky note or index card and write one main idea per item.  When you can't think of anything else, take what you have written and organize them into a timeline.  From there, your story should take a major leap forward and your brain can begin filling in the blanks.

Another way is to create a bullet list of ideas in your favorite word processing tool (Microsoft Word or equivalent).  Again, reshape your list in a beginning to end timeline and you should have something concrete to work with.

Tip #3: Writer's Groups  Believe it or not, we authors are not always right! Sometimes the best way to work through problems is to talk it out with fellow-minded individuals.  Be it a fantasy-centric friend or classmate in your history class, bouncing off ideas on other people fosters deeper dialogue and a better understanding of problems or road blocks you might be encountering.  And students, parents and teachers are very good at listening, especially when it comes to helping their children learn.

For the aspiring authors out there, check your local library or community center for writer's group or book club meetings.  As I always say, we're all in this together and sometimes even the best of us need a gentle push in the right direction.

I hope these simple tricks help your child and yourself when you develop a case of writer's block or burn out.  These simple tricks can get you back to the pen and paper -- or computers for you tech savvy folks out there! -- and write that next great novel!

Writing From an Editor's Point of View

In my writing career I have been fortunate to work with some very talented people.  As all authors know, every writer needs a great editor and I'm lucky to have Laura Vadney in my corner.  I virtually met Laura back in 2005 -- we still have not met fact to face since I live in Rhode Island and she hails from Memphis, TN -- and she has helped edit my Overlords fantasy series.  Three books later and more red lines than I care to share, we have put together a wonderful, entertaining series.  I'm incredibly grateful for her insights and help, and how she takes my words and makes them sound that much better.  Recently, I asked her to give the editor's perspective on writing.  Here's what she has to say:

How I Got into This

I became an editor by accident.  When running a personal ad on Match.com, I received a strange reply from a woman who was breaking up with her husband.  He was moving to Memphis and she picked me out for him.  Long story short, they got back together and we three all became friends.  One of their interests was publishing novels for first time writers and they had formed a small publishing company to pursue that goal.  If I recall the conversation accurately, one day the husband asked me if I would like to be an editor since I liked to read so much.  Truthfully, he knew that I was working in a public relations job that involved writing and editing a publication with a circulation of 10,000.  I also had an educational background - undergraduate degrees in zoology and psychology, as well as masters in counseling and English.

Since then I worked for their company until it closed due to the wife's death, helped them coordinate several writing conferences, and continue to work privately with authors, including Mike.

Why Edit

Editing can make your novel look more professional when you submit it for publication and/or get it in a reader's hands.  An editor will tell you things that your friends won't.  You pay us for honest, accurate opinions. It's almost impossible to edit your own work because the brain tends to fill in with what we expect to see, rather than what your fingers might have accidently written.

Spell checkers have cut down considerably on basic spelling errors, but it can make some really stupid substitutions on its own.  Also, depending on the age of your word processing program, it may not have the most recent information about grammatical preferences, although I still insist the past tense of dive is dove, not dived.

 

At the same time, the manuscript is your work.  I always say that authors can outvote editors if they feel strongly enough that something should remain that is recommended for change.  Occasionally you might want to deliberately use incorrect language to make a point or in dialogue.  Editors can help you be the best writer that you can be.

Common Improvements & What to Expect

Loosely grouped, general issues that I often find needing work, especially with new authors, can be show vs. tell, inconsistent character voice, ignoring the need to write tight and "magic" solutions.  Common grammatical errors I often find in manuscripts are comma confusion, sentence structure, and word repetition.

I work on either a printed document or in a version that speaks to Word, going over the entire manuscript at least twice. Once is to look for grammar and flow issues, the second has more emphasis on plot and character development.  In either format I return to you, the author, a document with corrections noted in red and extensive notes in the margin to explain why.  I also stay in contact with you during this process if I find issues that need explaining to the reader.  Because I like to be thorough, this is not a rapid process.

Laura is one our many experts at Self Publishing Insight and can be hired to help get your manuscript publish-ready.  If you're interested in Laura's services, please contact Mike@the-overlords.com.

I Have to Tweet Now?

Have you written a book, self-published maybe, and are now having trouble making sales? Maybe you're not reaching as many people as you think.  I recently posted on Beth Barany's Writer's Fun Zone blog talking about what I did to self-market and self-promote my Overlords fantasy novels.  And, most of the points I make include services that are free to you!

Visit Beth's blog using the link above to read my article.  Look for Beth, a fellow author, to guest post on this blog in the very near future.  And for help with all the services listed in the posting, visit Self Publishing Insight for more information.

How the Hell Did I Become A Writer?

In an effort to expand his virtual reach, Mike will be guest blogging on fellow author sites. Following his previous guest blog with Draegon Grey (you can read that interview here), Mike has a new posting on Samantha Comb's "Samantha Combs Writes!" blog.  In this article, Mike describes what it was like to begin his literary journey, as well as to inspire others that have followed a similar path.  Check out that posting here and be sure to leave a comment or two!

In the next few months, Mike is going to embark on having reciprocal postings with other authors and people in the publishing world.  We'll let you know when a new posting is available.  Please share these links with friends and acquaintances that you know would enjoy the articles.  And as always, thank you!!!

The Overlords Turn 20!

It's hard to believe that this July marks the 20th anniversary of The Overlords.  At that time twenty years ago, I had given myself a week off between jobs and took advantage of that time to begin the novel that would define my writing life.  I remember staring at the computer screen, scrutinizing every word I wrote, trying to make everything perfect.  I learned a lot that day, mostly that I'm not perfect!

Over the years Harrison Cross and his adventurer friends leaped from my mind and into print, finally becoming "real."  My first novel, Legend of the Treasure, took fourteen years before making it to print.  However, that time was not wasted, in fact I learned so much in regards to writing, character development, the passive voice (ugh!), and editing, editing, editing!  I also met some great people who helped me along this journey, and without them, I would not have anything to my name.

The next six years resulted in two more books in The Overlords series, but also a website, a cool newsletter, blog, awesome artwork, and social networking as well as workshops and presentations on writing and self-promotion, mentoring, a self-publishing company and much, much more!  I always believe in giving back what I have learned, and I intend to continue to do just that.  I'm sure the future will bring new technologies to work with and more ways to get my work "out there!"

Finally, I want to thank all my fans for without you The Overlords would be nothing more than a few books between my son and I.  Instead, I have a modest following and I promise to deliver the highest quality work for them.  I'm busy working on the final chapter of my series and after that we'll see what the future will hold.  Thanks for reading ... and stay tuned!

12 in 12: 12,012 Free Young Adult Fantasy Adventures in 2012

12 in 12 gives schools, students and libraries free Overlords eBooks

Tiverton, Rhode Island, United States (PR Buzz) January 24, 2012: 12 in 12, a new campaign from The Overlords fantasy adventure book series, will immediately start giving away 12,012 free eBooks to schools, libraries and students throughout the 12 months of 2012. The goal of 12 in 12 is to provide students between the ages of 10 and 16 with free fiction reading material that will hold their interest and expand their minds.

The Overlords, written by Michael Squatrito, is a fantasy adventure tale set in the times of warriors and magic. Seven men and a special dog embark on a journey to find the coveted Treasure of the Land, the bounty left behind by the ancient Four Kings. Schools, libraries and students can obtain the free eBook (the first in the four book series) by accessing the 12 in 12 web page or emailing support@the-ovelords.com. Our company will track the eBook download numbers and post updates on our social pages and blog. In conjunction with the campaign, special contests will be announced and held throughout the year – most having to do with enhancing reading and creative writing for children. Additionally, The Overlords are currently researching aligning with like-minded charitable organization(s) that will directly benefit from both the short and long term success of 12 in 12.

Author Mike Squatrito had this to say about 12 in 12: "Reading and writing go hand in hand. By offering free eBooks, we hope to strengthen the children's reading skills and, in the process, spark the creative juices that will lead to them writing their own stories and creating fantastic novels!"

Overlord Enterprises is the umbrella for The Overlords and Self Publishing Insight. The Overlords, is a four book fantasy adventure series with books 1, 2 & 3 in publication. Self Publishing Insight offers school and library presentations, writing workshops, one-on-one author consulting, editing, illustration, eBooks, publishing services and more. Our company is currently staffed in southern California, Oregon, Rhode Island and (soon) The Philippines.

Website: http://www.the-overlords.com/

Blog: http://theoverlords.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Overlords-Book-Series/154801801190

Twitter: http://twitter.com/overlords

Email: mike@the-overlords.com and/or jon@the-overlords.com

Phone: 401-862-9810 (Michael Squatrito, Author and Founder)

A Service to help Fellow Authors

To further help our fans and customers, Overlord Enterprises has created an offshoot company, SelfPublishingInsight.com (SPI).  Where Overlord Enterprises encompasses everything in the Overlords portfolio, including Overlords books and merchandise, Educational Services, Partnerships, and SPI, SPI was formed to handle writing services.  Under SPI, writers can benefit from expert one-on-one consultations with Mike and other SPI experts, editorial services, website design, newsletter creation and delivery, graphical artwork, self-publishing, eBooks, and much more!  Our hope at SPI is to help those soon-to-be authors reach their goal of publishing a novel, and with the wealth of experience and services offered by SPI, they can achieve that dream!  If you have further questions, visit our website www.selfpublishinginsight.com, or contact jon@the-overlords.com.

Call For Artists

Overlord Enterprises, a small but expanding company geared to authors, is excited to secure an Artist Partner who will work with us to roll out online projects for both the company and clients.  Exciting in-house ideas abound and the structure of the company allows for great flexibility. As the Lead Artist, you will be in charge of bringing ideas from brain to awesome.  Presently, you will need to build out the company's project needs (both online and off-line) in order to set the base at this beginning stage.  Soon after that - and even a little presently, creative projects for clients will be undertaken.  Examples of projects include:  book cover creation, interior book illustrations, website graphics, logos, character manifestation, online comic strips, etc.


The Artist Partner is not only able to build out our projects, but will be able to strategize about various client's and their online/off-line project needs.  As such, we are not tied to any one particular artistic skill.  Rather, value is viewed via flexibility, scope, breadth, past experience and - importantly - what you can bring to the organization's future.  The right candidate will become a partner in a potentially dynamic firm which is already generating capital.


Who you will be partnering with:

Overlords Enterprises has two major components, which are run by the same team:  The Overlords (book series) and Self Publishing Insight (author consulting).  The Overlords is on the verge of releasing book 3 of it's 4 book fantasy adventure series, launching short stories online and more.  Self Publishing Insight does writing presentations, author workshops, one-on-one consulting and more.  Our current team is comprised of a CEO (who is also the author), a Business Strategist and a Marketing Associate (intern).  Together we have over 4 decades of deep writing/business experience.
  
More desirable characteristics about you:

• You create art all the time.
• You know the word entrepreneur and it does not frighten you... it actually excites you.
• Your art works in both online and off-line environments. 
• You can embrace and are open to other people's visions, but definitely have your own thoughts.
• You can cite specific examples of your rocking artistic ways by referencing portfolios/projects/websites/apps/etc. that you have worked on.

Environment, Compensation and Opportunity:


Since this is a small start-up company, it is preferred that you are based in the Rhode Island area (the author lives in Tiverton), but will be asked to work virtually for now.  The amount of time you put into the organization is not limited, but it can be less then full time at the outset.  Compensation is currently in the form of equity, client referrals, flexible hours, full artistic voice by which to mold the organization and the ability to be in control of growing the company's future.  As soon as possible, this will also include a competitive salary and benefits for all involved.


If you are interested in creating and keeping things fresh, enjoy a challenge, love being a part of something where you're truly appreciated and constantly contributing then please send an email to jon@the-overlords.com with any relevant information you feel would be prudent to include.  The more examples the better, a resume and mentioning why you are interested are all recommended.  All applicants will be reviewed and appropriate candidates will be contacted for further talks. We look forward to hearing from you!